Despite the importance of trifluoromethylated compounds, direct catalytic methods for the conversion of C(sp3)–H bonds into the corresponding C(sp3)–CF3 analogues have remained elusive. This transformation has now been achieved by the merger of copper catalysis with decatungstate photocatalysis, enabling the C(sp3)–H trifluoromethylation of abundant feedstocks, natural products and pharmaceuticals.
- Patrick J. Sarver
- Vlad Bacauanu
- David W. C. MacMillan